SAEDNEWS: Terrariums are one of the most captivating options for enhancing and decorating any space. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to arrange cacti in a terrarium so you can style them elegantly and multiply the beauty of your favorite spaces. Stay with Saed News for the full guide.
Cacti in terrariums have become a major trend, with many people using this method to display and care for these resilient plants. However, arranging and maintaining cacti in a terrarium requires careful attention. In this article, we focus on the challenges of keeping cacti in terrariums and the essential considerations to ensure their health and longevity.
To successfully grow any plant in a terrarium, you need to create an environment that matches its natural needs. Cacti generally require full sunlight and prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. The problem is that terrariums are inherently humid and stagnant, which is the opposite of a cactus’s natural dry environment. Growing a cactus in a terrarium is similar to raising a goldfish in a sandbox—it won’t die immediately like a fish would out of water, but it will slowly dry out and decline over time.
If you are determined to place cacti in a terrarium, consider choosing species that tolerate humid, enclosed environments. Today, specialized terrariums for cacti are available to help address some of these challenges, but they still require careful management.
A critical factor to consider is temperature. A terrarium exposed to direct sunlight can heat up dramatically, reaching 40–50°C (104–122°F) in just a few minutes. This is known as the greenhouse effect, caused by trapped heat and poor ventilation. Any moisture in the soil will evaporate quickly, increasing humidity at the top of the terrarium.
Cacti originate from warm climates with high daytime temperatures but low humidity and good air circulation. Nights bring cooler temperatures that allow the plants to rest. Terrariums do not replicate this cycle, making cactus care more difficult. In moderate light, cacti may begin to deteriorate because they do not receive enough full sunlight. Ideally, place your terrarium in indirect but bright light to keep your cacti healthy.
Light is the primary energy source for plants. Cacti need full sun, and insufficient light will eventually stunt growth, even if the plant initially shows no signs of stress. Over months, this can lead to decay. If you want to keep cacti in a terrarium, consider species that tolerate partial shade, such as Gasteria, Rhipsalis, and some Haworthia varieties. Desert cacti, however, are not suitable for terrariums due to their need for full sunlight.
Artificial lighting can help support cacti in a terrarium, though intense light setups are rarely used in standard home décor. For terrarium enthusiasts, proper artificial lighting is often the only way to sustain cacti long-term. However, lighting alone cannot solve all terrarium challenges.
Proper watering in a terrarium is tricky because there is typically no drainage hole. Overwatering can saturate the soil, which cacti cannot tolerate. Some commercial terrariums include a gravel drainage layer, but in shallow terrariums, this is largely ineffective. Water wicks upward through soil via capillary action, and with limited evaporation in enclosed spaces, humidity remains high, stressing the plants.
Some cacti can survive long-term in a terrarium but eventually grow large, potentially crowding neighboring plants or touching the container walls. Single-plant terrariums are often easier to manage. Knowing the specific needs of the cactus allows for better care, but even mini or single-cactus terrariums require careful attention to light and watering to ensure healthy growth.
Generally, terrariums are not designed for the long-term survival of cacti. They are suitable for temporary decoration—perhaps for a few months. With proper attention to light, single-plant setups, and careful watering, cacti can survive in terrariums, but they will slowly decline over time. For professional or long-term growth, traditional pots are still the best option.
If you want your cacti to thrive, careful selection of terrarium types, light exposure, and watering practices is essential. For the healthiest results, consider using individual pots inside larger open terrariums rather than enclosed glass boxes.
By understanding the challenges and providing the right care, you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a terrarium while helping your cacti flourish.
For more plant care tips and lifestyle articles, visit the Lifestyle section of SaedNews.
